Ever since humans first invented guns, they've been inventing new uses for them. Some shoot bullets; others shoot lasers.

But a strange and unsettling new gun being developed by Japanese researchers shoots sound waves in an effort to disrupt and silence anyone who dares speak out of turn.

The gun operates based on the concept of delayed auditory feedback. An attached microphone picks up the sound being made by the target and plays it back 0.2 seconds later.

The effect is incredibly confusing to the human brain, making it all but impossible to talk or hold a conversation. The device doesn't cause the person it's being used on any physical harm  it simply messes with their head.

When the human brain hears its own speech perfectly in sync during normal speech, it easily processes the input and allows you to largely ignore the sound of your own voice.

However, by offsetting the response just a bit, the brain hears your mouth speaking as well as the strange echo effect produced by the gun.

This unusual combination is confusing enough to effectively shut down the part of your brain responsible for managing speech, and you fall immediately silent.

I don’t think it would be all that effective. I’ve had nearly this effect on my cell phone when I get an odd connection, and yes, while it can mess with you, you can simply decide to barrel through, and you can do so. I’ve done it.

I dont think it would be all that effective. Ive had nearly this effect on my cell phone when I get an odd connection, and yes, while it can mess with you, you can simply decide to barrel through, and you can do so. Ive done it.

Will probably work on the vain thought - once they hear their words coming back at them, they will try to savor the brilliance of the words and get hopelessly tongue-tied. At least it might shut up the average liberal...

20
posted on 03/03/2012 3:26:42 AM PST
by trebb
("If a man will not work, he should not eat" From 2 Thes 3)

Disclaimer:
Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual
posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its
management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the
exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.